Knowledge exchange adds extra value to GHD’s investment in Southeast Asia

In a world where strategic international investments are key to business success, GHD stands out as a powerful example. GHD is helping solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges such as access to clean water, transition to clean energy, and sustainable urbanisation.

With its Australian roots stretching back 95 years, it was in 1998 that GHD began its first venture in the Philippines with the help of Austrade. Since then, it has capitalised on the strong demand for infrastructure in the region. Today GHD has 4 offices and over 1,000 staff who bring its mission to life in Southeast Asia.

Diversifying risk and finding new opportunities

In the late 1990s, GHD recognised the need to diversify its market risk beyond Australia and New Zealand. Simon Terry, the General Manager of GHD’s Philippines office, explains.

‘It was becoming evident that Southeast Asian markets were growing,’ he says. ‘The economic growth in developing countries often comes through urbanisation. We saw a huge opportunity to be a part of that story, and to mitigate risks against economic downturns in developed countries at the same time.’

GHD established its first Southeast Asian office in the Philippines in 1998, starting with a few employees. ‘When I first arrived in Manila in 2000, we had about 20 people,’ says Terry. ‘Today, we have over 1,000 people, with offices in Makati, Quezon City and Cebu City.’

The journey from decision to reality was not a simple one. GHD’s strategic partnership with Austrade played a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of entering a new market.

‘Austrade was instrumental from day one, helping us navigate regulatory requirements and forge business partnerships,’ Terry notes. This partnership has endured, with Austrade continuing to provide valuable support and networking opportunities.

Delivering major benefits to the community

GHD’s investment in Southeast Asia has yielded substantial returns, both financially and culturally.

‘It has had a huge impact on our business, not just from growing revenue, but from a more fundamental place of fulfilling our mission,’ says Terry. ‘The purpose of our whole business is to leave a lasting community benefit. This is something we’ve been able to accomplish wholeheartedly here.

‘We’ve been working on projects to ensure Filipinos get access to safe water, accelerate the country’s transition to clean energy, and facilitate the movement of goods across the archipelagic nation. It’s work we’re extremely proud of.’

Find out more about GHD’s work in the Philippines in this video.

GHD’s projects are designed to benefit the whole community.

Sharing skills and expertise with Australia and the world

The benefits of GHD’s Southeast Asian expansion extend back to Australia. ‘We have a tremendous team here in the Philippines, highly technical, highly skilled, highly motivated,’ says Terry. ‘Not only are they working on significant global projects for us, they’re also sharing expertise with our other global teams.

‘With the Philippines’ focus on climate resilience and renewables, employees across the GHD network, including Australia, learn from the projects delivered by our Filipino teams.’

This strategy not only fosters economic growth but also enriches Australian business culture and capabilities through exposure to new markets and partnerships. ‘It's about opening up those channels and providing awareness,’ Terry says, emphasising the importance of broadening business horizons through trade.

‘People are starting to realise that there are opportunities they didn’t know existed,’ Terry says.

He adds that the pathway may not always be smooth sailing. ‘You have to be resilient. There will be ups and downs. Doing your homework is crucial, as is forming partnerships with organisations like Austrade and ANZCHAM who will make all the difference.’

As GHD looks to the future, the excitement and optimism about the opportunities in Southeast Asia are palpable.

‘The times ahead are exciting,’ says Terry. ‘We will leverage the available talent in Southeast Asia to not just build infrastructure, but to address pressing challenges in the region and drive positive, lasting impact for our clients and our communities.’